Buying Property in La Paz, Baja California Sur with a Fideicomiso
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur — a turquoise-bay city on the Sea of Cortez, world-renowned for marine biodiversity, diving, and one of the most livable coastal climates in Mexico. As a coastal city, La Paz is in the restricted zone, so foreign nationals buy property here through a fideicomiso (Mexican bank trust). This page covers what foreign buyers need to know about the La Paz market and the trust process.
Estimates only. Every fee, tax, cost and total on this page is an estimate for general information, based on the 2026 published government tables and typical quotes from banks, notaries and appraisers. What you actually pay is set by each office, bank, notary or provider when you pay it, and changes with the exchange rate, the appraisal and the details of your property. Mexico Trust Services confirms figures only in a written quote.
Why La Paz needs a fideicomiso
What sets La Paz apart
- Turquoise water with lower swells than Pacific-side towns — calmer for swimming, sailing, and beach lounging
- Marinas — Marina La Paz, Marina CostaBaja, Marina Palmira — popular with cruisers and sportfishers
- World-renowned diving and snorkeling at Espíritu Santo Island (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Year-round flights from Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Mexico City through La Paz International Airport (LAP)
- A major hospital infrastructure (largest in Baja Sur) — important for retirees
- Lower cost of living than Cabo San Lucas, but with most of the same amenities
La Paz property types
- Bay-view condos in El Mogote, Marina, and along the malecón
- Single-family homes in El Centenario, La Ventana, El Sargento (windsurfing meccas)
- Marina-front developments at CostaBaja and Marina Palmira
- Beach lots on Balandra and Tecolote bays (subject to ZOFEMAT federal-zone rules near the waterline)
La Paz-specific costs
Timeline
Banks active in La Paz
Frequently Asked Questions
How is La Paz different from Cabo San Lucas?
La Paz is a working capital city of about 250,000 people with a Mexican-led economy and a smaller foreign population, while Cabo (60 km south, 2 hours by car) is heavily tourism-driven with a much larger expat presence. La Paz has lower property prices, better hospitals, and calmer beaches; Cabo has more turnkey tourism amenities, English-fluency in service workers, and direct international flights.
Are foreign owners welcome in La Paz?
Yes. La Paz has a long-established foreign community — particularly Americans, Canadians, and a growing French and German presence. The city is bilingual in tourist and real-estate contexts. Many Mexican professional services in La Paz are accustomed to working with foreign buyers.
Is La Paz subject to hurricanes?
La Paz has occasional tropical storms in late summer (August–October), but its position on the bay protects it from direct Pacific hurricane impact. The 2014 Hurricane Odile was the most significant recent event. Property insurance is widely available and the cost is modest.
Can I buy beachfront property in La Paz?
Yes, with one important caveat: the federal maritime zone (ZOFEMAT) — the strip of land within 20 m of the high-tide line — is federal property and cannot be owned by anyone, Mexican or foreign. Beachfront property typically refers to land just inland of ZOFEMAT, with a federal concession allowing use of the zone itself. Mexico Trust Services and your notary will explain how this affects any specific lot.